Apple Ugly Grill Night

Apple Uglies Over Charcoal

I live in Apple Ugly country. Yes. I'm just a few miles from the Apple Baking Company where they make the world famous Uglies. OK. They aren't world famous just yet. They're more like a little Southern secret, but the company is smoking hot and getting those Uglies out to more people. And, for those who can't find them local, the company sells Uglies online.

I've written about Apple Uglies before, because I love them and because I had high school buddies who worked there back in the day. It's a small world (especially in a small town), so my new co-worker's husband is Dave Bates, CEO of Apple Baking Company. He was kind enough to let my Writing for Media class tour the factory where friends and neighbors whip up these delicious bakery treats. And, he sent me home with some Apple Uglies. Thanks!

You all know what I do with food. Yes. On the grill. The grill was gray coal hot and just perfect for adding dessert to the menu. I put the Uglies on and grate marked them, flipped them, and had them on the table in a couple of minutes. These buns are already cooked, so it's just a matter of heating them up and getting a hint of smoke flavor.

Whoa boy; grilled Apple Uglies rock. I've always enjoyed them right out of the pack, but the charcoal gave them a great kick. You know I love my smoke.

Apple Ugly Hot Off the Grill - Yum

If you're trying to figure out what Apple Uglies are, then think of a baked treat the size of a honey bun and packed like that but more like fritters and lumpy bumpy (hence the name Uglies). Each Apple Ugly looks a little different, because they are not mass produced in the typical way. Now, I can't tell you how to make them, or I will be kicked out of town for sure. Just trust me that there are some great people in the bakery working hard to make special treats that you can't find just everywhere.

Working the Dough

If you're looking for Apple Uglies, then here's what they look like in the store. They come in several flavors - all yummy.

My class got to try hot Blueberry and Raisin Uglies right off the line. We also got to see the cake line being made and baked. The lady who makes the Apple Baking Company cakes has been doing this for 25 years. Those are sold by the whole cake, half, or slices. My favorite is the Cheerwine cake. Cheerwine is a local soft drink from my town, and Cheerwine cake is really pretty with a unique flavor. It's kind of a cherry cola but not quite and better than that combination. You'd just have to try it to see what I mean.

Dave Bates, Apple Baking Company CEO, and my Writing for Media Students

It was a fun week - a trip to Apple Baking Company and then hot grilled Apple Uglies. Hard to beat that.

Apple Baking Company Teams Up with Cheerwine for New Packaged Cakes - Yum

Just Out - Cheerwine Cake by Apple Baking Company - Woodleaf, NC

You can't grill up this Cheerwine Cake, but it would be an easy and tasty end to a great barbecue meal. Acutally, you can wrap slices in tin foil (as well as doughnuts and other tasty treats) and heat on the grill for a warm dessert at an outdoor party.

The Apple Baking Company just came out with these Cheerwine Cakes. I found out when of the students I taught, Hilah, stopped by the college. We were talking about this and that, and she mentioned the new cakes. She works at Miller Davis Inc. in marketing and helps with new product campaign launches. I'm thrilled that she is using skills I taught her in class and also that she took the time to drop by and say hello.

The Apple Baking Company is a small company right down the road. They are famous for making Apple Uglies (as well as other sweet treats). Apple Uglies are kind of like Monkey Bread or braided bread with apples. You might call them a type of apple fritter. Whatever you liken them to, Appple Uglies are really tasty. And, they aren't even really that ugly either.

Cheerwine is our local soft drink - made out of Salisbury, NC. Some people say it's like a cherry cola, but that doesn't really capture this unique soda. It's just different - and very popular in the South.

Some of our Southern cooks make Cheerwine Cake, and I need to get that up at Yes You Can Cook. Cheerwine Cake looks a bit like Red Velvet Cake, but the flavor is different.

Apple Baking Company and Cheerwine teamed up to get this unique cake out there on the market. Great idea. It really is a super cake - and not like any I've ever had before.

You can order Apple Uglies and other products online through the company web site, but I don't see the Cheerwine Cakes up yet. I think they're selling too fast right now and just on the market as well.

Keep an eye out. I see Apple Baking Good products from time to time and especially at country type stores. The Uglies are really tasty and so is Cheerwine Cake.

* The photo was provided by Miller Davis - THANKS!